EXAMINING THE ROLE OF THE PRELIMIC PREFRONTAL (PrLPFC) CORTEX IN CHRONIC PAIN

Abstract

Chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain, is always a topic of discussion and a huge issue in the United States affecting millions that seek pharmacological options for treatment. Opioids are the number one prescribed medication for treating chronic pain, but have been linked to addiction. The full pain circuit has not yet been mapped with respect to chronic pain, which contribute to the continuous research and exploration of it. Several regions of the brain are hyperexcitable during a painful stimulus including the prelimbic prefrontal cortex (PrLPFC) which is the focus of this study. This region of the brain has not been targeted for treatment yet but findings suggest it has a strong correlation that should be further explored. Our study confirmed increased activity of the PrLPRC neurons after injury and increased pain tolerance with use of Retigabine (potassium channel opener), baclofen (GabaA agonist) and muscimol (GabaB agonist).